Ellen

Satchel

eve noonan ( tryon farm)

May 9, 2013

Great to see Laura, great to see how she works and the amazing results. Salutes!!! Hoping she may have a studio at Tryon this summer and use stuff she finds in our woods and wetland areas to create more feathered friends!

Claudia Geise

May 11, 2013

Congratulations to Laura, the happy energy artist. After this video was shot Laura received an award from the Porter County Tourism Bureau. When a fire took her studio, she and her birds still live to fly another day in a new location. Her resolve was and is recognized with the ‘making lemonade out of lemons award’, and she deserves it!! Good luck to you, Laura.

Donna Schindler

Robin

January 5, 2015

Eve!! I am so glad you are doing this, many times you have posted pics from different trails and I would have loved to have more information on them so I could check them out too, but didn’t want to ask on every pic! This will be great! Thank you!!

Mom

Jamie Hogan

January 5, 2015

Bravo to Eve and Dig the Dunes for shining a light on the highlights of our community.

Her keen eyes and ears are wonderfully focused on the pulse of all that is happening in the Dunes; a worthy endeavor, indeed, and opening our world a little wider for both visitors and lovable locals alike.

Steve Coombs

Ann Wierzbicki

January 26, 2015

Very informative, helpful article; a good way to introduce old and new businesses to those of us who do not travel that area frequently and appreciate some recommendations. Will have to check those out soon. Thanks

Ann Wierzbicki

January 26, 2015

Eve, blogging about the dunes area is a great idea. Keep posting the photos–they are superb! You really have a special talent for photography and art. I feel like I’m visiting an art gallery when I view them. Great work!!

Ann Wierzbicki

Terry Ihnat

February 2, 2015

having grown up on Wells Street in Miller, I certainly can appreciate the beauty of the dunes in the winter time. As kids we spent a lot of time walking the beach, the dunes and skating sugar bowl swamp which is that wetland just east of County line Road near the beach

jeff

Ann

February 9, 2015

What an interesting and informative article. I want to start running trails after reading this post (or walking — which is more my speed) Kudos to you Eve and Lisa for the inspiring article. Keep it up!

Angie Lovejoy

February 13, 2015

You bring back so many memories of years ago, when our kids were small and we’d cook breakfast
at the dunes, also bring our sunfish sailboat, and spend Sunday mornings, then leave when the beach got crowded. But never in winter, hmmm. Lovely pictures, Eve!

Cynthia

February 16, 2015

Hi love your site, how did you make it? I send your pictures to friends on FB and here is a good “one”, Barry Manilow was in Chicago Sat for his concert. Flew to Detroit via right across the lake. His manager tweeted me back, the frozen lake was amazing! See! We are all equal at that moment! I get what you mean, loved your post (always do) and sorry about your Dad. Bittersweet moment I know.

DigTheDunes

February 16, 2015

Thanks Cynthia! This website was a wordpress template. I had a programmer help me, but there are a lot of blog sites out there that are pretty easy to use. Great story about Barry. Thanks for following me!

Dan

Mom

February 16, 2015

Eve,
Dad used to say “she doesn’t know how talented she is, but someday she will”. I am glad you know it now.
The blog is wonderful, but even more wonderful is how happy you are doing what you do. Keep at it, sweetheart,
for both reasons. xo Mom

Sharon

February 16, 2015

i loved reading this tribute to your Dad. He left the world a better place and far too early in life. We really enjoyed knowing him. He would be so proud and pleased by your beautiful photos and their contribution to the people who love and appreciate the lake and the dunes. I don’t know who the person was who commented that she wondered if there were people who actually enjoy life. I find it sad that someone would ask that. Anyway, I wish you the best, Eve and I love your photos. I post a lot of them of the lake myself, but my don’t capture its beauty the way yours do.

Jan Huffmaster

Connie Kassal

February 16, 2015

Hi,
I tell everyone who comes to the studio that those are Dale Landsman rolling benches that I use. And I have another plexiglass painting that is going down to the Framing Station for short Area Artists Association exhibit, plexi and frame from your Dad too. I will post a snap shot tomorrow if possible.

Ann

Pete Grube

February 16, 2015

I wonder if I may have been on the same South Shore train with your Father. I also commuted to Chicago for 35 years where I held several graphic designer positions in Chicago art studios. Did he commute by train by any chance?

DigTheDunes

renee cecere

February 17, 2015

Renee February 17, 2015
Your Dad definitely loved life . You could see it in his wonderful paintings and from the pictures he took with his camera. He would be so proud of you.. Keep taking those beautiful pictures. You have a great eye. I love opening my facebook page and seeing your photos.

Bob Cotton

February 17, 2015

Eve, thanks for your insiteful posts and blogs. I have been “Digging the Dunes” since I was a teenager in the mid ’60. I have walked the beaches and trails by myself, with friends, lovers, and dogs. I always leave feeling rejuvenated and spiritually enhanced. Truly enjoy your pictures and so glad “you get it”.

Angie Lovejoy

February 18, 2015

Hi,Eve: I’m forwarding this one to two friends who are pretty good artists ,they will be interested in your quest. One of them (Dr Dufour) creates wonderful things eletronically.
I have five of then hanging in our house. Keep up the good work! Love, Angie

alexis lierman

Jamie Hogan

March 2, 2015

You’ve given me a boost and inspiration. For 30 years the Brown Bag has was a pass by which might be a bit like a flyover only for automobiles. I think I’ll stop.
Thanks for getting us all out to Dig the Dunes!

Ann

March 3, 2015

I’m eager to try some of these great sounding breakfast places, a definite stop next time we’re in the area. Wonderful advertising for people who aren’t familiar with these eateries! Thanks for the info, I’ll keep it handy for reference, had no idea so many hidden treasures were available in these towns. Keep posting, Eve.

mary

Audra

March 9, 2015

Great post. I love the rocks with the holes in them, too! I haven’t made a pendant but I’ve strung them into garland and strung little stacks of them to hang as ornaments. I’ve always wondered why they have holes, though. Any info or theories?

Ann

March 9, 2015

How nice of you Eve to share your secrets and talents with those of us who want to attempt to make those great necklaces ourselves.
They really are lovely and extra special because of the time and care put into making them. Keep digging the dunes.

Jan Huffmaster

eve noonan

April 14, 2015

Hey other Eve,
What a glorious description of a glorious weekend in our part of the world. Sadly did not get to the beach except briefly but all good flora and fauna happening at Tryon Farm. Loads of people out digging and fishing and hiking and biking. Bird watcher session next Saturday with pro, should be a good time….
Thanks for always capturing the spirit of this place in which we live.
eve

Bob Cotton

DigTheDunes

Will Wegiel

April 27, 2015

Love your posts and at times swapping pictures. Moving towards the end of the wick of life and the lake shore of old blue keeps me smiling. I have camped all along her lovely shores. Southern tip to the UP. Not much of Wisconsin. Read the history from early America to the present. Visited the Mackinac Island several times, it’s where history burst tinto like. A must for everyone who loves the lake. Also a pitch for Lake Michigans bigger sister and Isle Royale in Lake Superior. Where everything comes to stop but your foot steps. Me and a old friend backpack that islands many trails and like other wildness places you learn that you part of this planet and not above it. Too old to swing up the pack and hike for endless miles. I can come to the lake shore and dream of the sun on my face with miles to go, moose to see. Endless campfires with stories to tell and make. The pictures keeps me smiling. Close my eyes listen to the shore line birds and waves, I’m 20 again sweaty with a pack and a campfire tonight. Thanks to the National and State Park services in keeping it clean and for everyone.

DigTheDunes

Kathy Hinton

April 28, 2015

Hello, Eve.
Amazing website – so full of information! I am relocating from Chicago to Ogden Dunes. I have a lovable senior citizen (8 yo) St Bernard, named Nicholas. I am looking for a reliable dog walker that can visit my home mid-day M-F to walk him. Do you know of any services in the area? I am in the process of purchasing a property at 1 Bittersweet Lane. Jamie Hogan recommended that I reach out to you on this website.

Jan

Hugh Kirk

May 6, 2015

What a wonderful story,Jamie! So beautifully crafted and informative about the place we call home. We are truly fortunate to live in the Dunes, which you so eloquently shared from your own personal experience and from a place of love within you for this magnificent
stretch of lake shore in the Dunes!

Judy

DigTheDunes

May 29, 2015

Hi Judy, this is one of the more rigorous trails in the area. I think you would be able to get to the area where the bog is no problem, though. The tough part is heading down to the beach and climbing the dune back up! I would guess it’s about a 1 mile trek to the bog itself.

Ann

Gloria Notaro

June 30, 2015

I love the dunes as it makes me feel so good. I think it would be so wonderful to live near the dunes so I could see it everyday and I know that it won’t happen but only in my mind. I love your pictures that you post on Facebook. Thank you for all of those.

Elizabeth

June 30, 2015

Eve and Mike Rock! You two busted your asses to get there and I’m so honored that you did, and happy to share that special night with you two!! Thanks for the nice pics, keep them coming and keep on evangelizing about the Dunes and our our little Indiana/Michigan corner of paradise because it matters!! Love your blog, love you

Jan

pat colander

July 8, 2015

Hi Jerry,

Congratulations again on the book. Jeff read the entire book instantly within 24 hours of getting together. I’m sure people are clamoring for more copies, can you let us know when Joyce will have more available or can we purchase on the publisher’s web site?

Jan

Kimberly Branch

July 14, 2015

Hi Jamie, just want to thank you for this great article about Three Oaks. I can’t tell you how much we all benefit from your kind, informative words. There are so few towns left like ours & it’s great to be recognized in such a positive way. My business is Sherwood Forest which is the rustic log furniture store located on US 12 at the light in 3 Oaks (south west corner). The next time you visit I hope you get a chance to stop by so we can thank you in person!!!

Ann

Rose Aaron

August 10, 2015

I am a regular Customer, love the non gmo white potatoes, hummus, western ranch dip, white cucumbers, everything is wonderful. The Customer service is awesome, thanks Eve and crew for showing Customers that they Matter….

DigTheDunes

Jennifer Hoots

Patricia O'Shea Burns

August 21, 2015

Stephen,

Thanks for sharing your photos – they are magical. I lived 70 plus years near Lake Michigan and now
live in So. California. The ocean has a beauty but nothing compares to the shores of Lake Michigan.
Thanks for the walk down memory lane.

deb weiss

chuck

Trent D. Pendley

K Martin

September 2, 2015

Chad is an awesome photographer who has captured beautiful landscapes, sunsets, and beautiful faces. And now he is expanding into this position as a Google photographer. Any business would be lucky to have him capture the best of what they have to offer. Good Luck, Chad!

John C. Turgi

radine green

September 21, 2015

I would love a T-shirt. Could you tell me what sizes they come in?? I need a 2-3x, if possible. I am not able to come to your event, but would be able to pick up the t-shirt at a later date. Thank-you, and please just e-mail me the info. I am excited to see the pics that were selected. I took a picture at Kemill Beach many years ago, and it is one of my favorite. I took it with a simple SLR 35-mm. Thank-you once again. Radine Green

DigTheDunes

Bill

Vicky

October 2, 2015

I lived in Gary just north of Ridge Road. I remember seeing small sand dunes on the south side of RR. A few blocks west to Harrison St., my aunt’s home sat up on a hill, as well as my church. Further south on Harrison St. the road went up to 45th Avenue. Looking south on Broadway, 43rd Avenue sat up on a hill. A race car derby was held there every year for young kids. The Dunes are all around us. Thanks for the article. I’m looking forward to glaciers.

DigTheDunes

Dylan Dakota Smith

October 21, 2015

It is great to see that Eve Wierzbicki’s dog is on a leash when she is enjoing the beauty of the Michigan beaches.
This is not only the legal requirement for dogs on Michigan beaches, but she is showing a consideration for the fact that many other people who also want to walk on the beach and enjoy the lake’s beauty do not enjoy strange dogs running upto them and such behavior ruins the whole peaceful beach walk experience for them.

Jan

Ann Wierzbicki

October 24, 2015

Eve, though I don’t live in the Dunes area I really enjoy your posts very much. Your blogs are very interesting and when I read them I feel like I’m visiting and walking along with you and Otis. The photos are great too. Thank you and keep up the good work. It is enjoyed by many.

Robin Janota

November 2, 2015

I made the top 3?! Fantastic! Thanks everyone. I look forward to the winters as I get older. Time for rest and renewal. Lately the fall weather has been perfect for outdoor activity during the day. El Niño has us in a mild pattern this week and I intend to be outside for most of it. Enjoy yourselves this week!

Stephen Lehman

Paige finch

December 9, 2015

I think it’s amazing that our Great Lakes from the claimants can create 74 Miles per hour winds that help erosion and changes in the dunes. I agree that we should take more time and inform people about cleanliness with the beaches to stop pollution. Has there been drastic changes in the dunes from climate change and other effects?

Carolyn

Patricia Handley Swanson

December 9, 2015

I am a geology fan, especially of the area of which you write. I grew up in Union Pier and New Buffalo, but have lived mostly in Denver, CO, for my adult life. Along with the Valparaiso Moraine, there is the Tinkey Moraine. It is the further southwest one which was a blockade, also. The two moraines meet up near Lake Zurich. The Valporaiso moraine goes north and east from the town of Valporaiso, probably some 8-12 miles east of Lake Michigan. At the exit for Watervaliet off of I-94, going east, the land is very rolling. While driving on Hwy. 140, looking in to the orchards that are all along there, I noticed the soil was very sandy. When my friend turned into her long, hilly driveway, there were several large boulders in the yard. Being a rock fiend, I exclaimed shock. As we entered the property, she asked did I want to see the rock pile behind the barn. Well, YES! All the rocks that were excavated from the house building, were stashed in the back. They were all sizes, many bushel basket size. All sorts of rocks-granite was prevalent. So,right here was the proof I needed to say where the Valparaiso went after leaving that immediate area.

Tom Hjertquist

Kitty Bakken Johnson

December 11, 2015

I remember learning about the ancient shoreline along Ridge Road in northwest Indiana. I believe geography teacher Donald Ray (Griffith Junior H.S.) told us to look for the sand hills along Ridge Rd. that remained as an indicator of where the Lake Michigan shoreline was long ago. When I was young there were many places along Ridge Road where you could see these ancient sand dunes!

Mike Harding

Nancy Brown

December 12, 2015

Totally fascinating. I so appreciate this journey through time. The older I get the more I realize how little I know about our area. I remember as a kid riding down Ridge Road into Gary and admiring the beautiful homes that sat “way up there”. Thank you so much for the history lesson.

Gwen Ruge Lane

December 12, 2015

Hello Dig the Dunes,
A friend of mine has been sending me your page and thought that we might have something in common in serving Northwest Indiana and Southwest Michigan.
I am the owner of A Van-Go Chauffeur and Shuttle. I have a 15 passenger van I use now for wine and brewery tours and other events such as airports and weddings, etc.
I’d love for you to contact me if you feel we might be able to get together and talk about the possibility of working together in some way.
Sincerely, Gwen Ruge Lane

Jan

Audra E

January 9, 2016

Nice post. I might actually like the trails better in the winter, when it’s quiet and the park sometimes feel like my own secret place. Some parts of the trails can feel actually very comfortable even in the most frigid temps, sheltered as they are by the dunes and trees. Other parts, not so much, lol. But you are right that we are so lucky to have such treasures in our backyard.

Ray

January 21, 2016

My Grandfather use to tell me stories of Dianna of the Dunes. Apparently he knew her. He used to call Long Lake (that Great Swampy area to the South of the Dunes) “Naked Lady Lake” in her honor. He was a part of the Gary/Miller area from before Gary even existed until he passed in 1964. He loved the dunes just as I and all of my childhood friends do.

Joan Machuca

March 3, 2016

You are doing an awesome job promoting Dig the Dunes!

Hope that all your followers will join the Dunes Learning Center for their annual gala, “Walk Through Time, A Dunes Affair”, on September 16th at 6:00 at Sand Creek Country Club. The dinner, silent auction and entertainment is fun and an awesome way to support the Dunes Learning Center which provides environmental learning experiences to students in the region. Save the date–email me if you are interested in purchasing tickets! Joan Machuca, Event Chair

Mark

DigTheDunes

May 17, 2016

Hi Mark, there were so many, it was hard to get them all in! That’s a good one though and we will keep it in mind if we ever do another list. You are welcome to add it to the comments at the bottom of that post, so that others will know about them. Thanks!

Leslie Rose Green

Kenna

May 25, 2016

Sorry I had to hear about this after the fact and I live within walking distance of the Park. Sincerely hope this year’s Farmers Market is better than in past years. Griffith’s Friday market has put them to shame.

Ann

Mike Stiles

June 15, 2016

That’s right, Brenda, put away the electronic devices… and take a hike! I don’t think most people (even Northwest Indiana residents) realize what a treasure we have here in the Dunes and the trail system. Great interview, Brenda!

DigTheDunes

Ann

August 16, 2016

Alex: That was a great blog on cheeseburgers, so convincing that I want to visit all 5 places you wrote about, I think you can take over the Dunes newsletter from your mom some day, you did such a great job! I’m very very proud of you. Keep up the good work. Love Grandma

Joy

August 18, 2016

I would have to argue that you are not a FIP. You understand and respect the land, people and area because you grew up with all NWI lakeshore has to offer. You understand the uniqueness of each side of the pond, which not many get a chance to live. I moved away over 23 years ago and have lived all over the world. Long Beach will always be home. You may live in the land of the FIP’s, but I truly doubt you are one. I enjoyed reading this. Thank you.

eve noonan

September 22, 2016

If of interest, Steve Messier at Tryon Farm has been photographing damsel flies and dragonflies all summer he is fascinating about all of this and the photos of our Indiana flora and fauna are amazing!!! Maybe he is a person of interest.
Thanks Eve,
Eve Noonan

Yasir

October 10, 2016

Hi everyone I live in Gary, nor from here. I’m from the south suburbs of Chicago it was a trail I used to run at Isaac Walton in homewood it was about 3 miles. I’ve been looking for a similar trail out this way any suggestions?

DigTheDunes

Diane Levin

DigTheDunes

December 15, 2016

I hope to post an article about this soon. You can get snowshoes at the nature center at the Indiana Dunes state park. You can get cross country skis at douglas center in miller and love creek in berrien springs.

jerry savel

Diane Levin

April 15, 2017

While I applaud the tireless efforts of Save the Dunes in this emergency as well as over the longterm, it is distressing to consider the immediate developments and a seeming willingness to give US Steel a “good behavior pass.” The company responsible for as- yet undetermined environmental damage is already cranking up to resume weekend operations. Place the whirl of the production line against the image of silent closed beaches that may harbor lingering dangers in the water and sand. How is this reasonable? Fines, local remediation and thoughtful system improvements have not entered a deserved public conversation. Let us hope this will not be drowned out by the hum of business as usual. We all should clamor to insure it does not.

Beverly Fields

Susan M.

October 11, 2017

Once you cross into Lake County, the trail becomes the Oak Savanna Trail, maintained by Lake County Parks. It’s a wonderful Trail. Hope you ride further than Cleveland soon to the new trail on the south end of Oak Ridge Prairie. That now hooks you to the Erie Lackawanna Trail through Griffith and Highland and Hammond, where it connects to the Monon Trail, although the EL may be closed right now at 45th Street because they are finally putting in a crossing light.

Ted Robison

November 27, 2017

That lot is not on Freyer Road/900North. That road was Brown Road before the change to 900 North. It changed from Freyer to Brown at the Meer Road junction, which is offset and is the line between Michigan City and Springfield Township.

Tami Bianco

Helen Ellision

May 15, 2018

These skills are very helpful for me . Thank your for sharing. Hypnosis can be beneficial for issues such as pain management, anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, asthma, obesity and psoriasis. is it possible we hypnotize someone with 3 seconds?

Tom Potter

May 21, 2018

This list should have included the Village Tavern in beautiful downtown Porter, Indiana.
Wagner’s, also on Porter, has a wonderful deck to dine on.
I suggest you try both locales and I’m sure they will be lost worthy.

Tom Potter

Tasha Martin

June 17, 2018

Thank you for listing dog friendly places throughout this website. We are coming next weekend for our first visit to the Dunes and bringing our Golden Retriever, Birdie with us. This has been a fantastic resource!

Joette salyer

M.A. Taylor

August 27, 2018

If you are looking for “dive-bars” to feature, I suggest The Ritz Klub in Michigan City, IN. Famous as being the oldest bar in town and also for their burgers. Ran by brother & sister, Phyllis & Rich Komasinski, it was originally their grandparents….may even great-grandparents! Check it out! You won’t be disappointed!

Jacqui Kelly

Judy Mervine

November 27, 2018

Superb job Matthew Werner!
I was there too. You described it perfectly. That parade is more than special and I’m always glad it’s dark because no one can see me cry. That’s pretty silly but that’s what happens to me every year. It’s a lot of things. Christmas memories, the kids, the sounds the little lights, Santa the efforts of my small community and in these troubled times it’s Hope.
Thanks again for describing something that’s hard to really share. But you did.

Ann Wierzbicki

March 12, 2019

Eve:
I’ve so enjoyed your article “Dear winter it’s over” . It brought a big smile to my face, in fact all your articles do that for me. I look forward to your blog every Tuesday. Keep up the good work and keep digging the dunes!
Ann

Susan

Erik Oslawski

March 20, 2019

I used to frequently run on this trail almost everyday when I lived by the dunes and rented a small apartment on Waverly Road. I was not sure how well known this trail was, if at all. Thanks for the article it really brings back good memories.